Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Mr. Wood
Expository Writing
Inquiry Paper
3/6/17
The buddhist way of life is often regarded within all cultures of the world. Its a
universal religion that guides one on a journey to become free of attachments and lifes
suffering. Om is a common buddhist term that can be defined as the sound of the
universe. Buddhists use terminology and mantras like Om to instill inner peace and to
further their knowledge of all living things in the world. To be kind and considerate to all
living things is a common Buddhist notion, it helps them understand that they are not
alone is this universe and that everyone is deserving of respect. Buddhist individuals are
guided by Buddha, there is a buddha for every generation. Buddha can be defined as the
enlightened one. Today, we will evaluate how buddhism has guided several
generations, what it means to be a buddhist, and how buddhists conduct daily life.
2.5 millenia. The article states that buddhism has expanded across the world and guided
thousands to millions of people. Buddhism began with the Buddha. The Buddhas name
was Siddhartha Gautama. Dr. C. George Boeree, from Shippensburg University, states
that the Buddha was born and raised in what is now the modern day Nepal. The Buddha
wanted to live a life free from suffering and guide others to do the same. He spent his
entire life becoming the enlightened one. The buddhist religion is built off the
foundations the Buddha built for generations to come. The Buddha came across many
revelations such as respect for all individuals and all living things. He realized that the
ignorant are often disgusted by the elderly, although they too will be old and fragile
some day. The buddha did not want to be ignorant, and wanted those around him to share
Buddhists share a lot of common ideals and incentives. For example, it is really
important for buddhists to practice meditation and yoga, to free the mind and body of ill
terminology such as karma. Karma can be defined or understood as the belief that
virtuous actions create pleasure in the future and non-virtuous actions create pain.
Karma guides buddhists to make decisions that will guide them in a positive manner.
Poor decisions or actions could deter them from living a prosperous afterlife. Buddhists
typically recite mantras to pray and worship. In regards to a BBC article, buddhists can
pray at home or at a temple of worship. Buddhists will typically have a shrine for Buddha
in their home that they pray and recite mantras to (BBC Religions). Their mantras consist
of words that will guide them and have a spiritual effect on their daily life. Having
buddhist incentives is truly a genuine and thoughtful way to look at life. Buddhists are
conscientious of all people, all areas, and all living things. They seek to always be kind
The Buddhist religion does not have a creator like God. They dont believe that
Buddha created the world and all things. They simply follow the Buddhas ideals and
peaceful ways of life. According to the Buddha Dharma Education Association, Gods
were followed in most early civilizations due to greed and lust. People were suffering
from disease, hunger, and poverty. They followed the Gods in hope of their disparities
being relinquished. Whereas the Buddha is seen as a leader to guide all people on the
path to peace and wellbeing. The Buddha himself did not believe in a God or Gods
because he had no evidence of their existence. The Buddha also believed that is not
necessary to know the origin of the universe. Its an exhausting concept, although some
may agree that the origin of the earth is because of science and common knowledge we
have today.
Most buddhist follow the concept of rebirth or reincarnation. They believe that
their actions and ways of life correspond to what they may be reborn as. If their actions
reflected negativity they will most likely be reborn as an animal after death (Britannica).
If their actions reflect positivity they may be reborn as a human once again. Buddhists
also believe in a heaven which they call Nirvana (Dr. C George Boeree). Nirvana is a
place of peace and beauty. A place free of attachments and suffering. Very few buddhist
think they will go here in their afterlife because of the rebirth concept. Nirvana guides
buddhists to maintain a healthy and peaceful life, and always be kind to all living
creatures. The buddhist way of life is something that everyone can benefit from. It
teaches people to be considerate of all people and all living things, to never have
attachments, and truly focus on what truly matters in our lives. Buddhism can guide
people into a less stressful stasis, and help them progress as an individual.
Works Cited:
"About Buddhism." What is Buddhism | About Buddhism. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.
Boeree, George C. "Buddhist Wisdom." Buddhist Wisdom. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.
2017.
"Do Buddhists pray?" Wildmind Buddhist Meditation. N.p., 11 Jan. 2014. Web. 08 Mar.
2017.
Gilsinan, Kathy. "The Buddhist and the Neuroscientist." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media
"BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Buddhist worship." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 08 Mar.
2017.